Tuning in: On TV this week.

ByM.S. MasonMarch 5, 2004

The Sopranos (HBO, 9-10 p.m.): Mob boss Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) finds himself swimming in bad guys from the past as the fifth season opens. Steve Buscemi joins the cast as Tony's cousin, who has been released from the Big House, along with several other bosses who were jailed in the 1980s. Tony's wife, Carmela (Edie Falco) still wants a divorce, and Tony's kids still resent her for it. Not for everyone - rough language and tough violence.

Monday March 8

Now Who's Boss? (TLC, 10-11 p.m.): The CEOs of various companies try out the menial jobs their workers are underpaid to do. It's amusing to see Jonathan Tisch of Loews Hotels trying to tidy a room it takes a maid half an hour to clean thoroughly. Mr. Tisch takes three hours, and doesn't pass muster even at that. What all these CEOs (all men) learn is just how hard it is to do the real work of running their companies.

Friday March 12

Wonderfalls (Fox, 9-10 p.m.): As of Friday night, TV has two girls with straight, shiny hair taking orders from a divine being. "Wonderfalls" sounds similar to "Joan of Arcadia," but "Falls" substitutes acerbic wit for the sweet thoughtfulness of "Joan." Jaye (Caroline Dhavernas) works at a Niagara Falls gift shop, where animal figurines start directing her to help others. One good deed leads to another so fast it makes her (and our) head spin. Everyone talks as fast as the "Gilmore Girls," and much of the time the repartee rips with wit. The result is less "Touched by a Tchotchke" and more "Buffy, the Retail Savior."